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| Ernie Clement drove in the Blue Jays only run in a 4-1 loss to the Pirates |
After a huge win on the backs of a 3-run rally in the 6th and a fine effort from starter Patrick Corbin, the Blue Jays were looking to extend the win streak to 5 games and complete their 2nd sweep of the season and first season series sweep of the season. Dylan Cease got the start with Brandon Valenzuela behind the plate. Kazuma Okamoto was back at the hot corner after the complete day off yesterday and Ernie Clement was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 5 games and complete their 2nd series sweep and 1st season series sweep of the season? Here is today's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Pirates took the lead in the top of the 1st as Spencer Horwitz led off the game with a solo bomb to the 3rd deck in right
- The Pirates added a run in the top of the 2nd as Oneil Cruz hammered a solo bomb to the 3rd deck in right
- The Blue Jays got one back in the bottom of the 4th as Ernie Clement singled scoring Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
- Dylan Cease pitching line: 4.2IP 4H 2R (both earned) 1BB 8K 76 pitches (49 for strikes) - left with a hamstrain strain
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. left the game in the bottom of the 5th after getting drilled in the right elbow by a pitch
- The Pirates added a pair of runs in the top of the 6th as Esmerlyn Valdez whacked a 2-run blast to the opposite field in right
- Mitch Keller pitching line: 6IP 4H 1R (earned) 3BB 5K 101 pitches (62 for strikes)
- Gregory Soto pitched a scoreless 9th for his 5th save of the season
- Final score: Pirates 4 Blue Jays 1
My Take:
- Dylan Cease gave up a pair of runs on 4 hits while walking 1 and striking out 8. He was taken deep twice, but was otherwise solid. The bigger concern is that he left the game with hamstring tightness. The Blue Jays can ill afford to lose Cease for even one start.
- The bullpen gave up a pair of runs on 2 hits while walking 3 and striking out 4 over the last 4.1 innings. Yariel Rodriguez had a bounceback appearance after a couple of rough outings. Brayden Fisher also had a clean inning.
- Offensively, Ernie Clement drove in the Blue Jays only run. Here's hoping Vlad doesn't miss more than a game.
- The Pirates were 2-1 on ABS challenges and the Blue Jays did not have an ABS challenge
- The Blue Jays were 1-12 with runners in scoring position
- Up next, the home stand continues as the Blue Jays welcome the Marlins to town. The Marlins took the season series last year, outscoring the Blue Jays 15-13. Trey Yesavage starts against Marlins righty Janson Junk
